The Deacon suffered more heartache after suffering an agonizing Division 2 Cup Final defeat by Havelock Arms. The Branksome boys blew their title chances last time out against the Middleton lads who killed their cup dreams on Sunday after some late drama at a rain soaked Blackwell Meadows.
Despite the weather, a good crowd gathered to watch both teams cancel each other out in a nervy first half that struggled to get going. The Havvy tried to impose their direct style but the threat from Weston and Kemp was dealt with by the Deacon’s defence. When they did get their chance, Jack Howden blazed over. At the other end, despite some positive build there was no finish from a shot-shy Deacon.
With the wind in their backs after the break, the Deacon started strong, but it was Havelock who took the lead. However, it was in controversial circumstances when Barnet’s free-kick was headed out of play for what seemed to all in attendance, including the linesman, a Deacon corner. Referee Farrell decided otherwise, Havelock broke quickly and Weston crossed for Kemp to gleefully head home.
As conditions worsened, the drama intensified and the Deacon tried to level. With the clock ticking, it looked as though Havelock had held on. Then substitute Gary Hill popped up to expertly finish off a goalmouth scramble with a minute to go.
A rejuvenated Deacon took the advantage in extra time when Fred Huscroft dived in to head home a Barnet cross. This should have put his team’s name on the trophy, but it is often said, a team is vulnerable as soon as they have scored. The Deacon proved this when they dithered in midfield and Weston raced clear before coolly slotting home. It was anyone’s guess who would win it as both teams threw caution to the wind, but it was Weston who grabbed the winner with 10 mins to go when he headed home. A disappointed Brown reflected on the result ‘We’ve missed out again, but on the bright side I’m very proud of the lads and the effort this season. We’ll enjoy the summer break and go again next year’.
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